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Shoppers can get free, reusable shopping bags

October 13, 2016

FORT LEE, Va. (October 13, 2016) – Commissary shoppers can get free reusable shopping bags imprinted with important contact information about services available to them thanks to a partnership with Military OneSource. Beginning Oct. 28, commissary patrons worldwide will receive the free shopping bags, distributed one-per-customer while supplies last. Military OneSource distributed 4,800 cases of bags to the Defense Commissary Agency.

The bags are one way the program reaches out where the military community lives, works, plays and shops. Serving over 7 million patrons per month worldwide, the commissary is a great resource to get the bags in the hands of military members and their families.

Military OneSource is a program funded by the Defense Department that provides free confidential help, tools and information to active duty, National Guard and reserve service members, their immediate family members and survivors anytime. DeCA, along with Military OneSource and National Industries for the Blind, which is providing the bags, is honored to take part in such an important endeavor.

"Military OneSource is a valued resource for our military community," said Tracie Russ, DeCA's director of sales. "Increasing the awareness of this resource through the distribution of bags will serve to remind seasoned military members that support is just a phone call away and perhaps, introduce the support program to new military members."

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.